Method and apparatus for sensing contact position

Abstract

A device for sensing the position of a contact carrier of a contact includes a housing, a sensor supported by the housing and a latch that is movable by the contact carrier. The latch has a latch member located in proximity to the sensor and that is generally non-reflective. The sensor is configured to sense a presence or an absence of the latch member at one particular location depending upon the position of the contact carrier. A method of sensing position of a contact carrier of a contact module is also presented.

1. A device for sensing the position of a contact carrier of a contact, comprising;
 a housing; 
 a sensor supported by a housing; 
 a latch being movable by the contact carrier and comprising a generally non-reflective latch member located in proximity to the sensor; 
 wherein the sensor is configured to sense a presence or an absence of the latch member at one particular location depending upon the position of the contact carrier; 
 
     wherein the latch comprises a latch protrusion that is biased into engagement with the contact carrier; and 
     wherein the housing comprises a pair of support structures and a stop structure and wherein the latch is slidable between each support structure of the pair of support structures. 
   
   
     2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the latch comprises a generally rectangular outer configuration with the latch member disposed on one side and the latch protrusion disposed on an opposing side. 
   
   
     3. The device of  claim 2 , wherein the latch comprises a cavity and further comprising a coil spring for biasing the latch into engagement with the contact carrier and extending partially within the cavity and wherein the coil spring engages the stop structure. 
   
   
     4. The device of  claim 3 , further comprising a cover which engages the support structures and comprises an elongated slot wherethrough the latch member extends.